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100THANNIVERSARY1922 2022
“In the autumn of 1917 our real campaign in The Valley opened” – This is what British Archaeologist Howard Carter wrote in his diary at the beginning of the search for the tomb of the forgotten Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. Five years later, in 1922, the world was not only given a fresh insight into ancient Egypt, but a new celebrity to follow, whose story would be told and retold in differing ways over the following decades: King Tut.
The pharaoh’s golden death mask is not only an artefact of breathtaking beauty and inexpressible value, it has become a symbol and a brand known all over the world. Meanwhile, the story of the search, discovery and excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb is looked back on as an Indiana Jones-esque adventure, with political and financial struggles, the birth of legends and curse stories, a bit of a gold rush, and heroes and villains.
The discovery of King Tut is one of the world’s great historic events. It has captured the imaginations of millions of people around the globe – influencing fashion, music, films and architecture – and continues to do so today. And in particular, it has influenced exhibitions: The 1972 exhibition on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the discovery in The British Museum, London, actually created the term “blockbuster exhibition.”
Today, with the 2022 centenary of Howard Carter’s momentous discovery fast approaching, there has never been a better time to revisit the story of Tutankhamun.
100 years of the discovery of king tut
Archaeology theatre: Hoping to catch a glimpse of the boy king’s treasures, intrigued onlookers gather around Tutankhamun’s tomb in January 1923. © Griffith Institute
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For nearly 100 years now, Tutankhamun has been the symbol of many things: the excitement of discovery, ancient Egypt, perseverance, history, as well as of modern archaeology. These aspects are the foundation of the success of our touring exhibitions “Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures” and “The Discovery of King Tut,” which so far have been seen by over six million visitors worldwide.
The enormous audience and media interest in the history of King Tut and the widespread fascination for ancient Egyptian culture is as vital as ever. Consequently, the few years leading to the anniversary as well as the centenary in 2022 will be wonderful occasions to stage special, centennial exhibitions.
Under the guiding theme “The Tutankhamun Centennium” SC Exhibitions will be producing:
– A series of special exhibitions under the main title “100 Years of The Discovery of King Tut.” With the reconstruction of the tomb as our successful, tested centrepiece, we will introduce the art, science and history for fans of Egyptian exhibitions, but in particular, for the next generation of exhibition-goers. There will be new spotlights on King Tut and Egyptology, developed in collaborations with scholars and artists.
– An annual scholarly event, commencing in 2017, highlighting the other upcoming anniversary: 2022 also marks 200 years of Egyptology as a science.
– Launching in 2018: An accompanying digital tour. This will include original newspaper reports, films, archive photos and explorations of Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon’s lives, as well as the “Curse of the Pharaoh” and Tutmania, and entries from artists, authors, journalists and papers from our annual event.
SPECIAL exhibitions
Howard Carter and an Egyptian workman with Tutankhamun‘s third (innermost) coffin. Burton photograph 0770. © Griffith Institute, University of Oxford.
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About Dr. Zahi HawassA former Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Zahi Hawass is an internationally known scholar and Egyptologist. He is an author, lecturer and Ambassador for Cultural Heritage for Egypt at the International Federation for Peace and Sustainable Development.
When I heard about SC Exhibitions’ project for the first time, I must admit that I was skeptical about an exhibition of Tutankhamun replicas. As Minister of State for Egyptian Antiquities, our administration had released 50 objects from the tomb’s treasure for the world tour “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs”, and objects from the Valley of the Kings, including Tutankhamun artefacts, for a second tour. I asked myself what value an exhibition would have, without the originals.
When I was invited for a lecture, however, I was surprised! Using replicas, this exhibition has achieved things no other exhibition has. It shows the tomb in the moment of its discovery – a moment only a few chosen people witnessed in 1922/1923 – and it brings together again what was separated after the discovery. Today the majority of objects are displayed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, however the stone sarcophagus, the outermost golden coffin and the mummy of the young king remain in the tomb with its wall paintings. Now I came face to face with a complete and overwhelming abundance of treasure. The burial goods have been reproduced exactly down to the finest detail by Egyptian craftsmen in consultation with Egyptologists. With 1,000 objects, graphics, movies and an audio guide, the monumental context of the find is restored again and presented in an educational and entertaining manner. The completeness of the collection is unique in the world and millennia-old originals will not be compromised.
100 years after Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon’s sensational find, this exhibition tells the whole story of King Tut in a fascinating way, exploring the thrilling discovery of his tomb and the life of the pharaoh. It brings the magic of the historic moment to life, and explains new theories about a young king who lived in a glorious time in Egyptian culture, and died under mysterious circumstances. This exhibition allows a wide audience to access the fascinating world of the pharaohs. Every visitor will leave with a feeling of seeing something extremely special.
We are looking forward to offering you this exhibition for the centennial of the discovery of King Tut and would be glad if you can join us in this celebration. Dr. Zahi Hawass
this exhibit brings us the magic of the golden boy and is one of the most important educational experiences.
From left to right: Dr. Wolfgang Wett engel, scientific director of SC Exhibitions’ Tutankhamun exhibition; Dr. Zahi Hawass, former minister of antiquities in Egypt; Christoph Scholz, director of SC Exhibitions and project manager of Tutankhamun Centennium; and Dr. Garry Shaw, Egyptologist and editor at SC Exhibitions.
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The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon is considered the most famous find in the history of archaeology. The treasure contains never-before-seen artworks and gives a unique view into the dazzling burial of a New Kingdom ruler. The mystery and the beauty of the objects still fascinates people around the world, creating “Tutmania” and the story of the “Curse of the Pharaoh”!
This exhibition has succeeded in meeting a major challenge: it reconstructs, in great detail, a burial treasure which was assembled thousands of years ago.
In a coordinated use of new media and objects, the Exhibition presents the burial of King Tutankhamun’s treasure in the context of ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs – an immersive experience that sets new standards in museology.
The first area of the two-part Exhibition uses media to transport visitors back in time, thousands of years to the time of King Tutankhamun. They then experience how Howard Carter discovered the lost tomb of King Tutankhamun after a long search.
The Exhibition experience culminates in exact reconstructions of three burial chambers that reveal themselves just as Carter saw them in 1922. ››
an immersive experience that sets new standards in museology
welcome to a unique experience
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›› One of the highlights in the Exhibition is a large, open, gilded outer shrine of the Boy King’s burial chamber. Upon discovery, Howard Carter uncovered an additional three gilded shrines and a stone sarcophagus, in which there were three inner coffins. Therein lay the intact mummy of the young King wearing the golden mask. The ensemble’s presentation at the heart of the burial, reveals the ultimate meaning of Tutankhamun’s tremendous efforts for his existence in the afterlife: the transformation of the King into the immortal sun god.
The second part provides visitors with the opportunity to intensively and extensively examine the most intriguing objects in the burial treasure. Visitors can learn about the cultural, historical and religious background of the objects in a documentary, which is presented in a scientific yet accessible manner. The boxes and chests found in the burial chambers are opened, revealing their hidden contents: golden and gilded statues of gods and the King, ushabtis, jewelry and many precious stones.
An international team of exhibition designers worked for over five years on the realization of this Exhibition under the scientific direction of Egyptologists Dr Martin von Falck and Dr Wolfgang Wettengel. Renowned specialists from the fields of medicine and genetics have provided new impetus for scientific discourse.
the boxes and chests are opened, revealing their hidden contents
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exhibitionthe
The world of ancient Egypt has captured the public imagination for centuries, with exhibitions of Egyptian history and culture proving to be hugely popular around the globe.
But now, our Tutankhamun exhibition presents this fascinating subject in an entirely new way: a thrillingly unique experience that explores the legendary tomb and its treasures as they were at the exact moment of their discovery. Visitors can feel the rush of excitement as they step into a moment only ever witnessed by Howard Carter, Lord Carnarvon and a handful of others. ››
In the treasury, Howard Carter found a whole fleet of model ships. Many different types were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb: travel, sailing and cargo ships, and also ritual vessels such as the sun and moon barks. The Egyptians believed that there was water in the afterlife that could be navigated by boats and ships. So the Pharaoh was also provided with ships for his life after death.
travel in the afterlife
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›› Our Tutankhamun exhibition presents the actual excavation itself, its story and its invaluable legacy. Using painstakingly, scientifically produced replicas, the Exhibition allows the public to enjoy the magnificent splendor of these priceless Egyptian treasures without ever harming the fragile, sensitive originals – which can only now be exhibited separately in a carefully controlled museum setting.Preservation is of paramount importance, and the use of replicas is now the increasing trend in heritage conservation.
The Exhibition also presents a wealth of information about the wider culture of ancient Egypt. It offers fascinating insights into the Egyptians’ belief in the afterlife, and their efforts to overcome their fate and conquer death and transience.
A fully three-dimensional, astonishingly accurate recreation of the excavation site allows the public to marvel at the exquisite, breathtaking burial treasure, ensuring that visitors leave the exhibition exhilarated by having seen something very special, in an experience they’ll never forget.
An upper-class Egyptian household consisted mostly of furniture for sitting and reclining, as well as of boxes and chests in which primarily textiles and jewelry were stored. Cabinets were unheard-of even in a royal household.th
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jewelry and furniturean elegant home without cupboards
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At the beginning of the 20th century, some scientists thought that the Valley of the Kings had already been completely excavated. Only Howard Carter believed that there was still a sensational discovery to be made, and the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb was entirely down to his unwavering belief and sheer tenacity.
Howard Carter’s biography as an archaeologist is remarkable. In 1891, at the young age of 17, he went to Egypt as an archaeological draftsman without any professional training, and there he forged an amazing career as an excavator. Carter became Chief Inspector of Antiquities for Upper Egypt and was highly praised for his achievements, until his career came to an abrupt end when defending Egyptian site guards in a confrontation with French tourists. The following years were extremely tough, until a fateful encounter with the wealthy nobleman, Lord Carnarvon, changed everything. ››
howard carter and his discovery
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›› With much passion and persuasion, Carter succeeded in convincing Carnarvon that the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun must still be located somewhere in the Valley of the Kings.
For five long years Lord Carnarvon financed Carter’s search for the lost tomb, but seemingly in vain. When Carnarvon finally refused to keep funding the venture, Carter persuaded him to grant just one last season of excavation. It worked. In November 1922, Carter made the sensational find that amazed the world: the final resting place of King Tutankhamun!
The mysterious and beautifully gilded figures of gods and the King probably served ritual purposes at the resurrection of the dead King in the afterlife. They were found wrapped in linen in the treasury in small black boxes.the t
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figures of gods and the kingritual helpers for the afterlife
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The lavishly decorated chariot is unsuitable for battle and probably served as Tutankhamun’s state coach. The shining gilding and the sun hawk on the shaft indicate that the King appeared in it as the sun god incarnated on earth.th
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tutankhamun’s chariota king appears as the sun
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Tutankhamun is one of the most fascinating and mysterious kings in Egyptian history. According to recent research, he was probably a son of Akhenaten, though the identity of his mother is still unknown today.
Tutankhamun ascended to the throne as a child and had to reign in one of the most difficult periods of Egyptian history. His father, Akhenaten,
the return of the kingtutankhamun Tutankhamun’s throne
is an expression of the absolute power of the King, a power that encompasses both the worldly and the divine. As the royal names on the struts on the reverse of the backrest show, the famous gold throne was commissioned when Tutankhamun became king aged about nine and was still known as Tutankhaten.th
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the golden thronea symbol of divine royal power
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had banned the old religious cults and only allowed a single deity to be worshiped in Egypt, a ruling that caused great social upheaval in the land of the Nile. And even though it was Tutankhamun who managed to restore the country to stability, later kings still erased his name from statues and inscriptions in order to wipe Tutankhamun, the son of the heretic king, from the memory of future generations. ››
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›› The young pharaoh died at the age of 19 in circumstances that are not especially clear. His tomb in the Valley of the Kings lay forgotten for three millennia – until Howard Carter discovered it in November 1922. With this find, the world was given back a piece of cultural heritage of inestimable value. A king, whose fate was so nearly one of complete obscurity, was now reborn as the most famous of them all.
An Egyptian pharaoh who died more than 3,300 years ago immediately became a global media sensation, and the golden mask of the young Tutankhamun remains one of the most famous icons of our modern world.
an egyptian pharaoh immediately became a global media sensation
Today, the original tomb and burial treasure can only be seen separately: the tomb is located in the Valley of Kings and the objects, apart from the outer coffin, the stone sarcophagus and the mummy, are housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The four walls of the burial chamber were decorated with beautiful wall paintings that have been reconstructed for the exhibition. th
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the house of eternity
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The ancient Egyptians believed that the body was still needed in the afterlife. During mummification, certain organs were removed from the body and buried in four jars, called canopic jars. The body itself was dried with sodium salt for several weeks to preserve it and wrapped in linen bandages to protect it.th
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& mummificationpreserving the body for eternal life
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With the aid of exquisite, precisely crafted replicas and reconstructions, the Exhibition allows visitors to step right into the wonder of the most famous archaeological discovery site of the 20th century. It’s as if the original excavation site in the Valley of the Kings has been reopened.
Crucially, the Exhibition also brings together that which can only be seen separately elsewhere, even in Egypt: while the king’s treasures are kept in the Cairo Museum, today his tomb in the Valley of the Kings, with all its wall paintings, has been stripped of everything but his mummy, the outer coffin and the stone sarcophagus. ››
original & replicathe magic of the authentic whole
In the burial chamber Howard Carter discovered four large gilded shrines and a stone sarcophagus in which were three beautiful inner coffins. The innermost coffin is made from solid gold. Therein lay the intact mummy of the king wearing the golden mask. This singular preserved ensemble of a king from the 18th Dynasty was made for the king’s transformation into the eternal sun god. Its monumental and lucid way of presentation is outstanding in any exhibition.
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the golden shrines, sarcophagus and coffins
an unforgettable adventure for
any visitor
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›› All of the magnificent burial goods have been reproduced exactly down to the finest detail by expert Egyptian craftsmen in consultation with renowned Egyptologists. This way, the exhibition allows a huge audience to access the fascinating world of the pharaohs without ever compromising the fragile, millennia-old originals.
This unique, hugely entertaining and educational Exhibition is not designed to replace the original artifacts, but to complement them by allowing visitors to experience the tomb and the indescribable treasures of King Tutankhamun just as they were when he died, and to relive the magical moment of their discovery as if they had been there themselves. This is an unforgettable adventure for any visitor.
The face of the bandaged mummy was hidden by the unique golden mask. It is not a portrait of Tutankhamun, rather it shows the king as ever-lasting and divine and is his immortal “replacement face.” Tutankhamun’s mask is made of about 11kg of solid gold and is today mankind’s most internationally famous work of art. Its value is inestimable.th
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a divine face for eternity
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The exhibition brings the miraculous moment of discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun back to life for visitors and allows them to experience it with all their senses: the antechamber, treasury and burial chamber have been reconstructed true to the original documentation by the excavator, Howard Carter.
The four shrines and Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus that were discovered by Howard Carter in the burial chamber form the heart of the royal burial. In the exhibition, they are presented as an ensemble nested into one another just as they were when discovered, along with the wall paintings from the burial chamber.th
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1the tomb of tutankhamunthrough the eyes of the discoverer
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contactChristoph Scholz, Director SC Exhibitions, at [email protected]
SC Exhibitions is a division of Semmel Concerts Entertainment GmbH Am Mühlgraben 70 95445 Bayreuth Germany
Presented until January 2019 in North America in co-operation with Premier Exhibitions.
category• Archaeology
• Science & Technology
• Human History
Primary elements:
• Recreations of priceless artifacts
• Tomb recreations
• Rich educational information
• Ambient & Audio
requirementsArea:
7,500 sq ft to 13,000 sq ft
Ceilings:
min. 12 ft ideal 18 ft
Storage:
1,300 sq ft to 2,000 sq ft
Power:
120/208V 200 amp 3 phase 120/208V 60 amp 3 phase
Temperature:
70 degrees/50% humidity
engagement lengthTypically four to six months
Photography: Sandro Vannini, Theo O. Krath, Rainer Christian Kurzeder, Anne-Marie von Sarosdy
Version 1/2017
videos & more at: sc-exhibitions.com/kingtut
SC Exhibitions create exhibitions which travel worldwide, and hosts exhibitions in Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland. SC stands for Semmel Concerts, the large German live entertainment producer. It also stands for SHOWBIZ CULTURE, the team’s not-quite-serious motto and the title of an annual magazine which can be found at sc-exhibitions.com/magazine
Since we started touring our exhibitions “Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures,” “The Discovery of King Tut” and recently “Magic City – The Art of the Street,” we have reached an audience of more than six million people worldwide, and built a strong international network within museums, science centres, cultural venues and the creative industries. This network is the basis for the biennial Touring Exhibitions Meeting, the world’s only conference and marketplace dedicated entirely to touring exhibitions.@ShowbizCulture
100THANNIVERSARY1922 2022
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